Safety review committee to visit Mullaperiyar dam on September 1

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A view of Mullaperiyar Dam on Kerala-Tamil Nadu border at Kumily in Idukki. Image for representation. | Photo Credit: File photo

A safety review committee will visit the the Mullaperiyar dam on September 1, Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph has said.

Speaking to reporters in Thodupuzha on Saturday, Mr. Joseph said Keralam will demand a complete safety inspection of the dam during the committee’s visit in line with directives from the Supreme Court.

“We hope they will conduct a complete inspection of the dam. If they are not willing to do so, Keralam will approach the Supreme Court,” the Minister said.

He also pointed out lapses by the previous government in handling the case, noting that the State failed to leverage favourable findings from earlier inspections.

Additionally, Mr. Joseph announced that the State has appointed a new legal team to handle Mullaperiyar-related matters. “Once the safety committee submits its report, Keralam will convene a high-level meeting in Delhi to review the findings,” he added.

The Minister noted that the rule curve is currently being followed at the dam while reaffirming Keralam’s stance on building a new dam to resolve the issue permanently.

“There is no change in the State’s position regarding the construction of a new dam at Mullaperiyar,” the Minister said.

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